Spencer man accused of attack in UMass psych unit

Thursday

Nov 7, 2013 at 6:00 AMNov 7, 2013 at 9:33 AM

By Scott J. Croteau TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

WORCESTER — A Spencer man told investigators he attempted to smother a fellow patient in the psychiatric ward at UMass Memorial Medical Center Tuesday because the victim looked like his biological father, according to court records.

The alleged attack has left a 31-year-old Worcester man in critical condition.

Aldo Dunphe, 23, of 10 Irving St., Spencer was arraigned in Central District Court today on numerous serious assault charges in connection to the attack on the other patient.

According to a prosecutor and court filings in the case, Mr. Dunphe and the victimi were both patients in the eighth floor psychiatric ward at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus.

The attack occurred in the victim's room sometime around 2 p.m. Tuesday.

"Dunphe admitted to attempting to smother the victim with a pillow, then choked and beat the victim because the victim reminded Dunphe of his biological father," state police investigators said in court records.

Talking outside the courtroom, defense lawyer Michael S. Hussey said it appears Mr. Dunphe had some type of "psychotic break" leading up to the alleged attack. Mr. Hussey received court funds to have his client's mental status evaluated.

"His family reports that he had a very sudden decline in his mental state over the past few weeks leading to his hospitalization," Mr. Hussey said. "Apparently something triggered this assault."

A family member of Mr. Dunphe declined to answer any questions from a reporter after the arraignment.

Mr. Dunphe allegedly stuffed a wash cloth in the victim's mouth and filled his nose with paper towels to stop him from breathing, according to investigators.

"Dunphe stopped the attack because he believed that he killed the victim," state police investigator Trooper Matthew Prescott wrote in a statement of facts, filed in court.

Staff members in the psychiatric ward saw Mr. Dunphe in the victim's room shortly before they discovered the victim unresponsive on the floor, according to authorities. Mr. Dunphe was found washing his hands and pants; he appeared to have blood on his clothes, authorities said.

State police said the two men did not know one another and the attack appeared to be unprovoked.

During the arraignment, Assistant District Attorney David P. Feraco called the assault "violent" and asked that Mr. Dunphe be held without bail until Friday, when a dangerous hearing will take place. Judge Paul L. McGill ordered the hearing.

Before Mr. Dunphe's arraignment, court officials were asking that a lawyer who is certified in murder cases be assigned as defense counsel.

"At this point the victim is still alive," Mr. Feraco said in court.

Mr. Dunphe is charged with aggravated assault and battery, assault to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Contacted by a reporter, officials at UMass declined to discuss the case or any of the security measures inside the psychiatric ward. The hospital would not say if patients were allowed to roam freely in the hallway. State mental health officials are aware of the assault at the state-licensed facility.